9/11 Memorials: A Summary And Analysis

In the last chapters of the book, music becomes a powerful symbol of unity and perseverance. As each character makes their way down the streets New York for the one year memorial service for 9/11 victims, they hear and feel the power of the music ringing in the air. During the ceremony, “a lady was going to play the flute and, one after another, relatives of those who were killed were going to walk up onto the stage and read the names, nearly three thousand, out loud” (Baskin 178). The act of reading all the names is symbolic in itself, representing each individuals’ life and accomplishments, however the music playing while these names are read is what brings all of the individuals together. All of the individuals whose names are called are united by their unexpected death and each of the relatives who speak the names are united by their heart wrenching grief. The flute music playing in the background also contributes to the somber atmosphere of the event.

Aimee hears, “flags snapp[ing] like whips and the crooning of the wind harmoniz[ing] with the steady sound of human crying” (Baskin 181). All of the sorrow and pain felt by the crowd gathered is released through their sounds and together these sounds produce a musical composition. Their cries produce exquisite melodies and harmonies because everyone in the crowd is experiencing the same general emotions of mourning and heartbreak. Music has strong effects on one’s emotions and the music playing during the 9/11 memorial service is certainly filled with an array of heartbroken emotions. The music the crowd creates symbolizes how the tragedies of 9/11 bind all Americans